A Kenyan businesswoman, Esther Mutheu Samuka, is among three foreign nationals arrested in Zanzibar over allegations of operating tour and excursion businesses reserved for Zanzibari citizens.
Samuka was arrested alongside Mukembo Emmanuel and Karungi Scovia on August 18 during a joint operation conducted by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) and the Immigration Department.
The ZCT confirmed the arrests in a public notice, saying the three foreigners were found conducting tourism activities in violation of laws and regulations governing the sector.
The commission said the suspects had been involved in tour and excursion operations, although authorities did not give details of the specific activities they were conducting before their arrest.
The arrests are linked to Section 19(b) of Zanzibar’s Tourism Act No. 6 of 2009, which reserves tour operations and shuttle boat businesses exclusively for Zanzibari citizens.
The restriction applies even where a foreign national has established a physical presence on the island.
The authorities have not said whether the three suspects have been formally charged or provided details about the circumstances surrounding their arrest.
The ZCT, however, warned that it would continue taking legal and administrative action against individuals found operating tourism businesses in violation of Zanzibar’s laws.
The latest arrests are part of a wider enforcement campaign targeting foreign involvement in businesses that are legally reserved for local citizens.
In January, the tourism authorities warned that investigations had uncovered cases where Zanzibari citizens were allegedly being used as fronts for tourism businesses controlled by foreigners.
Operators were given until January 20 to regularise their business arrangements before the authorities began special inspections and enforcement operations.
Foreign investment remains permitted in other areas of Zanzibar’s tourism industry, but it is subject to separate requirements under the Investment Act of 2023.
Foreign hotel and real estate investors are required to meet a minimum capital threshold of USD 2.5 million, while the threshold for local investors is USD 100,000.
Some industry players have supported the enforcement campaign, arguing that businesses operating outside the law can benefit from Zanzibar’s tourism market without making a fair contribution to local systems.
The ZCT has also urged tourists to use licensed and legally recognised tourism operators to ensure they receive safe and legitimate services.
